Avoid deadheading roses and eschew rose spray, advised rose expert Michael Marriott in his debunking of common rose care misconceptions.
Rose Whisperer Michael Marriott's Six Unconventional Tips for Rose Growing
Bombarded with misinformation about growing roses? Not anymore! The one and only Michael Marriott, the prominent rose expert who's spent 35 years at David Austin Roses, is here to shatter those age-old myths. So grab your garden gloves, and let's get growing!
- Discover Michael's Green Fingers at Home in Shropshire
- UNLEASH: Ten of Michael's Top Favorite Roses
- The Ultimate Guide: How and When to Prune Roses
- The Vertical Garden: How to Train a Climbing Rose
💡 MICHAEL'S WISE WORDS 💡
Roses don't need direct sunlight all day long
Sure, most roses love sunbathing, but some will thrive even in part or almost full shade. Although you might not have as many blooms, they'll grow just fine!
Myth Busted: Replant disease? Forget it!
If you're planning to plant where a rose previously stood, you might worry about replant disease. Don't sweat it! As long as you keep the soil in tip-top shape through generous mulching and haven't overfed your roses in the past, you're golden.
Why species roses rock Michael's world
Deadheading? Not mandatory
In Michael's garden, he chooses roses that offer flowers that gently drop off, leaving attractive fading blooms. He rarely deadheads, opting instead to encourage a second set of flowers. If you've got a rose that keeps on offering hips after blooming, it's best to avoid deadheading. Giving it a whirl and leaving a few parts intact is a great opportunity to see if hips emerge!
Craving more details on Deadheading? Stay tuned!
Feeding is not a one-size-fits-all game
In Michael's Shropshire garden, he rarely feeds his roses, as the soil is rich. Remember, overfeeding can harm plants. Always follow the instructions on the feed packet, and your roses will give you a standing ovation. Potted plants will need regular feedings, as most peat-free composts can only sustain roses for up to six weeks. Be sure to water them well, leaving no room for dry, neglectful compost.
Roses and perennials go together like peas and carrots
Want a splash of color in your garden? Just present a flower to any rose and check how the shades complement each other. Mission accomplished!
Unleash the full potential: Planting roses and perennials explained
Let Mother Nature do her thing if pests or diseases strike
Over four decades of Rose DNA, and Michael's still a no-spray advocate. Aphids? Bring 'em on! They're a tasty treat for birds and other beneficial insects, creating a nice, balanced garden environment in the end. If a specific rose struggles with diseases regularly, he recommends removing it and planting a more resilient variety. Nurseries are now diligently weeding out the weaker varieties and keeping only the healthiest ones.
Learn the nitty-gritty on pruning roses
- Michael Marriott, the renowned rose expert, also shares his insights on other aspects of gardening, such as the importance of providing shade for some roses, the misconception about replant disease, and the choice of species roses.
- Deadheading is not mandatory for all roses according to Michael Marriott; some roses have fading blooms that he prefers to leave, fostering second sets of flowers.
- When it comes to feeding roses, Michael Marriott advises against overfeeding and suggests following the instructions on the feed packet, acknowledging that overfeeding can harm plants.
